So you’re a fan of horror games but have pretty much played all the classic AAA titles, such as Alan Wake 2, and the more recent Silent Hill 2 remake? Are you looking for your next horror thrill that might leave you sleeping with the lights on? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Indie horror games have, for the better part of two decades, been carving out their nightmarish niche, with many titles offering spine-chilling gameplay that often rivals their big-budget counterparts. Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer seeking to scream while engaging in this genre, here is our selection of the top 10 indie horror games of all time. Each indie horror game title will guarantee unforgettable scares and ominous atmospheres that will leave their mark on you long after the credits roll, so let’s dive right in, if you dare!
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Ask any horror fan about the best indie horror games, and 1. Amnesia: The Dark Descent will surely be at the top of their list. Garnering a 10/10 score from Steam, this 2010 horror masterpiece truly helped redefine the genre. The game’s unique focus on vulnerability and psychological terror (you play with no weapons, just running and hiding), makes it one of the most terrifying indie horror games ever made. You’ll feel utterly helpless as you explore the eerie hallways of Brennenburg Castle, with every dark corner concealing unspeakable horrors!
Outlast
Up next and arguably contesting for the number one spot is Outlast. Another heavy hitter when it comes to the top 10 indie horror games, Outlast was developed by Red Barrels, and this 2013 title takes place in the blood-soaked halls of Mount Massive Asylum. You play as a journalist investigating strange happenings at the loony bin, armed with nothing but your trusty camcorder. The game’s first-person perspective, tight corridors, and grotesque inhabitants have cemented it as one of the best indie horror games for fans of the survival horror genre.
SOMA
From the creators of Amnesia comes SOMA, a sci-fi horror game that explores deep philosophical questions alongside terrifying gameplay. Release almost 10 years ago in 2015, this game genuinely excels at creating and building dread through its underwater setting, where twisted machines and existential horror are the real monsters. Its thought-provoking narrative and immersive atmosphere make SOMA one of our top indie horror games for those brave enough for a mind-bending experience.
Little Nightmares
What would any top 10 horror game list be without mentioning Little Nightmares? A fond favourite among casual and seasoned games, Little Nightmares is a beautifully grotesque puzzle platformer that blends childhood fears with a dark, Tim Burton-esque art style. Released in 2017 by Tarsier Studios, this game stands out among some of the best indie horror games for its delightfully disturbing world and oh-so-creepy character design. You play as Six, a small girl trying to escape from a nightmarish place called The Maw, and the game’s unsettling visuals and terrifying creatures make it a must-play for any fan of indie horror games.
Layers of Fear
I mean, it’s all in the name, as Layers of Fear brings psychological horror to the forefront, putting players in the shoes of a tortured artist descending into madness. Developed by Bloober Team, this 2016 game has earned its place among the top indie horror games for its ability to warp reality, keeping players guessing what’s real and what’s a product of the protagonist’s fractured mind. Its haunting atmosphere and twisted narrative make it a standout in the genre.
The Forest
Looking for horror with a survival twist? The Forest is a first-person survival horror game where you’re stranded on an island after a plane crash. But you’re not alone—something sinister lurks in the woods. Developed by Endnight Games, this 2018 title is beloved for its open-world survival mechanics and terrifyingly unpredictable enemies. If you love crafting, exploration, and heart-pounding scares, The Forest is easily one of the best indie horror games you can play.
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia took the gaming world by storm in 2020, becoming an overnight sensation among horror fans and streamers alike. This multiplayer ghost-hunting game is as fun as it is terrifying, allowing players to team up and investigate haunted locations. The eerie atmosphere, unpredictable ghosts, and chilling sound design make it one of the top indie horror games to play with friends—just don’t scream too loud.
Darkwood
Darkwood is a top-down survival horror game that relies on atmosphere and tension rather than cheap jump scares. Released in 2017 by Acid Wizard Studio, this indie horror game traps you in a mysterious, ever-darkening forest where survival isn’t guaranteed. Its unique blend of exploration, resource management, and psychological horror easily places it among the top 10 indie horror games of all time.
Inside
If minimalist horror is your thing, Inside will scratch that itch. This 2016 puzzle-platformer by Playdead is as unsettling as it is stunning. With no dialogue, the story is told entirely through the world and its bizarre, dystopian visuals. Its eerie atmosphere and disturbing twists make Inside one of the best indie horror games for players who appreciate subtle, psychological terror.
Detention
Detention is a 2D atmospheric horror game set in 1960s Taiwan under martial law. Developed by Red Candle Games, this 2017 indie horror game masterfully combines historical elements with supernatural terror. It’s a chilling experience, using psychological horror to explore themes of guilt, fear, and repression. The game’s unique cultural backdrop and haunting visuals earn it a spot among the top indie horror games you should play.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to dive deep into the world of indie horror games, this list should get you started. From psychological horror to survival-based scares, these top 10 indie horror games deliver unique experiences that often outshine mainstream horror titles. Whether you're in for the mind-bending narrative of SOMA or the relentless terror of Outlast, these games are the best indie horror games to keep your heart racing and your lights on at night.
Happy (and horrifying) gaming!